Apparatus for Securing a Mask to a Wearer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding a mask on a wearer utilizes a head piece which the wearer dons over at least part of the face and which supports a separate mask such a Halloween mask on releasable spacer elements which hold the mask in position relative to the eyes of the wearer

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of costume type masks or “Halloween” masks. More particularly the present invention may be described as an accessory for such a mask that makes the mask more user friendly and enhances the likelihood that the mask will remain in position on the wearer's face, In greater particularity the present invention may be described as a mask sub-accessory that is worn on the head of the user to hold the mask in position relative to the users eyes such that the user can safely see his surroundings while the mask is worn.

Costume masks or Halloween masks are commonly known and worn by children and adults alike fix numerous parties and events each year. However, little has been done to upgrade the safety of such masks, particularly with regard to the mass produced masks which are sold at very low prices. Even more expensive masks have had little or no attention paid to the safety of the masks. Whether the mask is expensive or inexpensive, typically the mask is secured to the head with a single elastic strap that attaches to each side of the mask and loops behind the head, thus, the mask rests directly on the face of the wearer and is at best an ill fit, likely to slid down due to gravity or movement of the wearer's head. Once the mask moves, then vision from at least one eye through the mask is obscured and the wearer must reach up and readjust the mask. The unexpected loss of vision and cumbersome movement In adjusting the mask are likely to lead to a loss of balance or collision with another person or thing resulting in injury to the wearer or another.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to enhance the safety of wearers of costume masks by securing the mask to the wearer's head such that the wearer's vision is not impaired by the mask.

To facilitate the above object of the invention, the present invention provides a head piece which the wearer dons over at least part of the face and which supports on the wearer's head or face a separate mask such as a typical mass produced mask. The headpiece is provided with releasable spacer elements which hold the mask in position relative to the eyes of the wearer, thereby enhancing the safety of the wearer.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An apparatus for securing a mask to a wearer is depicted in the accompanying drawings which tonal a portion of this disclosure and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view passing view pass vertically through one eye hole the invention and showing the relationship between the invention and a mask;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view passing vertically through one eye hole of the invention and showing the relationship between the invention and a mask using different connective materials;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the FIGS. 1-4 for a clearer understanding of the invention, it may be seen that the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 contemplates a layer of material overlying the users face above and below the eyes and across the bridge of the nose. This bridge layer 11 is preferably of a material that will conform to the face of the user comfortably such as a flexible elastic material such as latex or neoprene, although a suitable fabric may also be used. Preferably, the material will be hypoallergenic and have some tackiness to it such that it does not easily slide on the face. The bridge layer 11 is connected in one embodiment to a wide strap 12 that passes above the ears of the wearer and behind the head. Strap 12 may be a two part strap having legs 12 a & b connected to a buckle 12 c or may be a loop 12 that is to stretchable to fit snugly about the head. As with the bridge layer 11, the strap may be a flexible elastic material such as latex, spandex, or neoprene or another suitable fabric and may be formed integrally with the bridge layer 11 or attached thereto by sewing or adhesion.

Bridge layer 11 surrounds and defines eye, holes 13 which are positioned such that the surrounding material is offset from the users eye's, but at least partially covers the eyebrows and cheek bones. The eye holes 13 may in fact be a singular hole such as commonly seen on ski masks or cold weather knit masks. The point is that the eye hole has to enable the wearer to clearly see through the pre thrilled holes in the costume mask.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bridge layer 11 is a portion of a stretchable cap 14 which covers the top of the wearer's head and extends downwardly to the same degree as would the strap 12. In this embodiment, the wearer is provided with a covering that would hide the hair and scalp and make it more difficult for the wearer to be recognized. There may be advantages in this embodiment in terms of securing the bridge layer 11 to the wearer and the feasibility of the wearer donning a wig.

Affixed to the bridge layer 11 about the eyeholes 13 are spacers 15 which extend a small distance from the surface of bridge layer 11 and carry connective material 17 on their distal surface. Spacers 15 may be foam blocks 16, as shown in FIG. 3, which have an adhesive connection to bridge layer 11 and wherein the connective material 17 is a second adhesive layer overlain by a removable cover 18. The connective material 17 is intended to abut and adhere to the inner surface of a preformed mask 30. The second adhesive layer of this embodiment is intended to be reusable such that the mask 30 may be disengaged from the spacers 15 and a second mask positioned for adhesion to the spacers. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, spacers 15 may be a layer of hook or loop material 15 a with a suitable backing adhered or sewn to bridge layer 11 such that the layer of hook or loop material 15 a cooperates with a mating layer of loop or hook material 17 a provided with an adhesive backing to adhere to the preformed mask 30. In this embodiment the mask 30 and bridge layer 1 can be connected, disconnected and reconnected using the hook and loop material or the adhesive hacking. Spacers 15 of either type may be configured as continuous loops 15 e circumscribing the holes 13 as shown in FIG. 1, or as strips 15 f and 15 g positioned above and below the holes 13 as shown in FIG. 4. Additional spacers 15 h and 151 may be positioned in the bridge area laterally of the holes as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6.

To utilize the apparatus 10, position the bridge layer 11 on the face with the holes aligned with the eyes of the wearer for maximum visibility through the apparatus. Positioning the bridge layer 11 will entail adjusting the strap 12 or cap 14 for comfort and security on the head. Once the apparatus 10 is in place, mask 30 should be positioned on the face of the wearer, again for maximum visibility of the wearer. The wearer should note the points of contact on the face. This may be accomplished by placing a light dusting of talcum powder inside the mask 30 such that powder is transferred to the points of contact of the mask with bridge layer 11 when the mask is properly positioned. Noting the points of contact and carefully removing any talcum powder that may have been used, spacers 15 should be affixed to bridge layer 11 as near the points of contact as possible. If foam blocks 16 with adhesive lavers form the spacers 15 and connective material, the covers 18 should be removed and the mask 30 replaced again in position for maximum visibility. The original elastic strap of the mask should be placed over the head for additional security.

If the spacers are pre-affixed to the bridge layer 11 and foam blocks are used, then step of positioning the foam blocks can be eliminated, although a trial fitting with adhesive covers 18 in place is recommended to ascertain exactly where the mask 30 should be placed for optimal visibility. If the spacers are hook and loop layer 15 a and the connective material is loop and hook layer 17 a, and if the spacer is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the bridge layer 11, then layers 15 a and 7 a are engaged and a layer of marking powder is applied to the covered adhesive on layer 17 a to mark the inside surface or the mask using the same procedure as described above. After proper placement and marking the powder is removed from the mask, layer 17 a is disengaged from layer 15 a and the mask 30 is cleaned of powder. The adhesive cover is removed from layer 17 a and the layer is adhered to the inside of the mask. The mask 30 may be repositioned and connected to the apparatus by the hook and pile fasters such that maximum visibility through the mask will be maintained while it is worn.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention shown is a preferred embodiment thereof and that various changes and modifications may be made therein without deputing from the spirit of the invention or scope as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for securing a costume mask to the face of a wearer, comprising: a. A bridge layer of material suitable for application to the face of a wearing about the eyes, defining a pair of holes there through for alignment with the eyes of a wearer; b. a securing layer of material suitable for securing said bridge layer in position on the face of a wearer; c. at least one spacer releasably securable to said bridge layer proximal said notes; and d. a detachable connector for selectively connecting said costume mask to said at least one spacer in fixed relation to said bridge layer.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing layer is a cap suitable for covering the had of a wearer.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing layer is a band attached to said bridge layer for encircling the head of a wearer.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said bridge layer is a non woven material.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing layer is stretchable.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein either of said securing layer and said bridge layer are stretchable.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said at least one spacer comprises tube like members.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said tube like members are foam.
 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said tube like members are concentric with said holes and spaced therefrom.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said tube like members have a layer of adhesive affixing them to said bridge layer.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said layer of adhesive is covered by a removable layer to prevent premature adherence to a surface.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said detachable connector is a hook and pile connector.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said at least one spacer is a backing material connected to said detachable connector and said bridge material.
 14. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said at least one spacer comprises a foam member secured to said bridge layer above said holes and said detachable connector is a layer of adhesive residing on said foam member. 